News article: Is real change possible for hardened criminals?
Palmer prison brings signs of hope
By Harry Davidson
It is widely known that America’s prison system is a training ground for criminals, where petty thieves learn how to become professionals and new gang members are heavily recruited. A recent report by America Public Media reveals the disturbing depth of the problem and how difficult it is for prison staff to effectively address. But what is not so well known is that in a few prisons across the country new, voluntary faith-based training programs are transforming habitually criminal lives and bringing hope for change. In Alaska just such an initiative has been quietly transforming lives in the Palmer Correctional Center for over a year now.
As a member of a Bluegrass band invited to play for the inmates, I recently had the opportunity to meet some of the participants in this new program and hear their stories first hand. Their praise and enthusiasm was contagious. In the midst of the oppression of a prison environment these men were genuinely hopeful; not only about their own personal future but also for the possibility of change within the whole prison.
Transformational Living Community (TLC) is the vision of Prison Chaplin Mike Ensch. After years of observing released inmates return to the prison system because of repeated crimes, Chaplin Ensch dreamed of a voluntary program of intense spiritual training, a kind of spiritual boot camp that transmitted to the participants fundamental inner resources through which they could process their lives and enter the current of society in a positive and life giving way. Chaplin Ensch wanted the inmates to have a life transforming relationship with Jesus. And the prison system was willing to oblige if it meant a real change of behavior in the inmates.
TLC has been in operation within the Palmer Correctional Center since February of 2004 as a completely voluntary program. Of the seven medium security dormitory houses in the prison, one has been transformed into an intense school of discipline and spiritual training, drawing from biblical principles of brotherly love, accountability, forgiveness and responsibility. Thirty two inmates serving time for crimes such as murder, sexual assault and armed robbery meet daily for classes and seminars with volumes of homework on subjects ranging form biblical foundations for freedom, dealing with character qualities, responding to conflicts and much more. The program has become so popular among the 219 inmates in the medium security unit that almost half of them have signed a waiting list to join. The program is privately funded, as no Federal moneys are available at this time. As a result of limited finances, only one of the seven dormitories is involved in the program, though enough inmates to fill three more houses have signed the waiting list. What accounts for this level of acceptance among the prisoners? Quite simply, it works! Lives are being changed and that is proof enough.
Harold joined the TLC program when it first started last winter and is close to completing his one year commitment. “The first two years I was here I was just surviving. Now I’m developing tools so when I do get out I will have something.” Harold has hope.
James has spent 36 of his 53 years in prison. “I spent most of the time in the hole.” He has not been a model prisoner. James has not seen another member of his family in 41 years. A few months ago he wrote a letter to his estranged brother. “I asked him for forgiveness,” James said. “It was a letter of amendment.” He received a six page letter in return and expects a visit from his brother in the near future. James has hope.
These are the kinds of healing stories that are emerging from the lives of these inmates. They are hopeful stories, and hope is contagious in a place where it has been in short supply. This program is an experiment. It is a test to see if such a faith based initiative can bring real change. If a tree is judged by its fruit, then this program is in Palmer Correctional Center to stay.